Aren’t these practices too “Catholic” for Protestants?

No, these practices are rooted in the universal Christian tradition, predating the Reformation. While they are widely observed inCatholicism, they belong to the shared heritage of the global Church.

• N.T. Wright teaches that these traditions remind us of our place in God’s redemptive story. Observing them connects us to the practices of the early church and invites us to step into the rhythm of the Christian calendar, which shapes our lives around the story of Jesus.
• ‍Justo L. González highlights the communal and historical nature of these practices. He emphasizes that engaging with such traditions connects contemporary believers with the “cloud of witnesses”throughout history, fostering a deep sense of unity in the body of Christ.

Isn't focusing on death and sin too negative?

Acknowledging our mortality and sin is not about despair but about humility and renewal. These practices are grounded in biblical truths:

• The ashes of Ash Wednesday remind us that we are finite, but through Christ, we have eternal hope. As Psalm 103:14 says, “For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.”
• The Stations of the Cross lead us to meditate onJesus’ suffering, but their purpose is not to leave us in sorrow. Instead, they draw us to the victory of His resurrection and the profound love that motivatedHis sacrifice (Heb. 12:2).

Far from being overly focused on sin and death, these practices help us grasp the depth of God's grace and the beauty of His redemption.

What does the bible say about such practices?

While Ash Wednesday and the Stations of the Cross are notexplicitly mentioned in Scripture, their themes are deeply biblical:

• Repentance and mortality: The practice of using ashes as a symbol of repentance is found throughout the Bible (e.g., Job 42:6, Jonah 3:6, Daniel 9:3).
• Meditation on Christ’s suffering: Hebrews 12:3 urges believers to “consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners,” and Philippians 3:10 speaks of knowing Christ in His sufferings.

How do these practices deepen faith?

Both Ash Wednesday and the Stations of the Cross help believers engage their whole being—mind, body, and spirit—in worship and reflection.

• They invite spiritual embodiment. The ashes we receive, or the physical movement from station to station, remind us that faith is not just intellectual but involves our whole lives.
• The Stations of the Cross lead us to meditate onJesus’ suffering, but their purpose is not to leave us in sorrow. Instead, they draw us to the victory of His resurrection and the profound love that motivatedHis sacrifice (Heb. 12:2).

How do I explain these practices to someone unfamiliar or skeptical?

• For those concerned about “rituals”: Explain that these practices are not about empty formalism but about engaging with God in fresh and meaningful ways. Much like raising hands in worship or participating in baptism, these are outward acts that reflect inward realities.
• ‍For those worried about “Catholic practices”: Highlight the universal Christian heritage of these traditions. They are tools for connecting with God, not tied to any one denomination.
• For those who feel they are too heavy: Share that while they involve reflection on sin and mortality, their ultimate goal is hope, renewal, and preparation for the joy of Easter.

What is the benefit of practicing these traditions in a modern evangelical context?

For evangelicals, embracing Ash Wednesday and the Stations of the Cross can:

• Reclaim forgotten traditions: These practices connect us with the global and historical Church, reminding us that we are part of a much larger story.
• ‍Slow us down: In a fast-paced world, these traditions create space for stillness, reflection, and intentional focus on God.
• Prepare our hearts for Easter: They set the stage for the celebration of resurrection by helping us walk through the gravity of the cross.

How do I participate?

Participating is simple:

• Attend an Ash Wednesday service to receive ashes and engage in prayer and worship at one of our campuses (all our local English-speaking campuses are hosting service. See time here.
• During Lent, set aside time to reflect on Jesus’ journey to the cross by abstaining from some things and engaging in others like our Be Still podcast or go through the Stations of the Cross at our campuses.

These practices are invitations, not obligations, offering a fresh way to encounter the grace and love of Christ. As Justo L. Gonzáles says, “They are means of grace—avenues through which God meets us in our humanity and calls us to transformation.”